Save A festive, crisp winter salad served in delicate cucumber cups, shaped like snowflakes and filled with a creamy, tangy filling. Perfect as an elegant appetizer or party snack.
This recipe quickly became a holiday favorite in my family because it looks beautiful and tastes fresh
Ingredients
- 3 large cucumbers: peeled and sliced into 2-inch rounds
- 1/2 cup finely diced red bell pepper: adds sweetness and crunch
- 1/2 cup finely diced celery: provides freshness
- 1/4 cup finely chopped red onion: for a mild bite
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh dill: aromatic herb
- 1/2 cup cream cheese: softened for filling
- 2 tbsp sour cream: for creaminess
- 1 tsp lemon juice: adds tang
- 1/2 tsp salt: seasoning
- 1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper: seasoning
- 2 tbsp pomegranate seeds: garnish for color
- 1 tbsp finely chopped chives: garnish for flavor
Instructions
- Step 1:
- Wash and peel the cucumbers Cut them crosswise into 2-inch thick rounds
- Step 2:
- Using a small snowflake-shaped cookie cutter carefully cut each round into a snowflake shape
- Step 3:
- With a melon baller or small spoon hollow out the center of each snowflake leaving a 1/4-inch thick base and sides to form a cup Set aside on paper towels to drain excess moisture
- Step 4:
- In a medium bowl combine cream cheese sour cream lemon juice salt and black pepper Mix until smooth
- Step 5:
- Gently fold in red bell pepper celery red onion and dill
- Step 6:
- Spoon or pipe the filling into each cucumber cup
- Step 7:
- Garnish with pomegranate seeds and chives
- Step 8:
- Chill for at least 10 minutes before serving
Save This salad brings our family together every season especially during the holidays when everyone appreciates the fresh flavors
Required Tools
Snowflake-shaped cookie cutter small melon baller or small spoon mixing bowl knife and cutting board piping bag optional
Allergen Information
Contains dairy cream cheese sour cream Check labels to ensure all ingredients are gluten-free if needed
Nutritional Information
Calories 45 Total Fat 3 g Carbohydrates 3 g Protein 1 g per serving
Save This winter salad is a crisp refreshing starter that is sure to impress and delight your guests
Kitchen Q&A
- → How do you make the snowflake shapes with cucumbers?
Use a small snowflake-shaped cookie cutter to gently press and cut each cucumber round into a snowflake pattern, then hollow out the center carefully to create cups.
- → What fillings work well inside the cucumber cups?
A creamy mixture of softened cream cheese, sour cream, lemon juice, and finely diced vegetables like red bell pepper, celery, and red onion provides a flavorful and smooth filling.
- → Can this dish be prepared ahead of time?
Yes, these cucumber cups can be made a few hours in advance and refrigerated until ready to serve, helping flavors meld nicely.
- → Are there suitable substitutions for sour cream?
Greek yogurt can be used as a lighter alternative to sour cream in the creamy filling without sacrificing taste.
- → What garnishes enhance the presentation?
Pomegranate seeds add a pop of color and slight tartness, while finely chopped chives contribute fresh herbal notes and a delicate finish.